HC censures media for encouraging superstition

Passing this order on an application filed by Rajendra Singh and others of Agra, the HC observed ''In order to improve their TRPs or readership, electronic channels and press media have unfortunately started reporting superstitious incidents like samadhi, miracles, worship of snakes, whom they term as reincarnation of relations in past lives or people drinking sea water suddenly turning sweet.'' The bench added its incorrect to infuse such beliefs in people instead of instilling a rational thinking in them, which is the need of the hour.

The HC rejected Singh's application seeking cancellation of chargesheet and criminal proceedings against him, his wife and brother-in-law in a 'samadhi' case and remarked that abating a woman to take 'samadhi' would tantamount to encouraging superstitions, which had been outlawed centuries back, but again becoming rampant and rearing its ugly face.

On March 6, 2007, an FIR was lodged at Tajganj police station against the in-laws of Siya Devi for abating her to take 'samadhi' at village Ghaghipura in Agra.

Later, police had detained Devi, her husband and brother-in-law and prepared a chargesheet against them.

The duo had challenged the chargesheet in HC, which was subsequently rejected today.